When Dawn's eyes opened again, she was still leaning on Kenny's shoulder.

But now Kenny was reading a book.

Dawn gazed up at Kenny.

He looked so peaceful.

So she decided -

" Morning Dee Dee." Kenny said without looking up.

Dawn blinked. " How'd you know I was awake?"

Kenny grinned and set the book down. " Well, because I blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah bla-" he stopped talking when he noticed Dawn's confused expression.

" English?" Dawn squeaked.

Kenny laughed. " It's because I'm your boyfriend, Dee Dee."

" But what about that mumbo jumbo you were saying before?"

" That's just the medical way I knew."

" And how was that?"

Kenny smirked, clearly enjoying Dawn’s curiosity. "Well, if you really want to know," he said, leaning back a little, "I noticed your breathing changed. When you were asleep, it was slow and steady. But when you woke up, it got a little faster, like you were trying to figure out where you were."

Dawn blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You can tell all that just by listening to me breathe?"

"Yup!" Kenny said, tapping his ear. "It’s the kind of thing you pick up when you’re around someone a lot — and when you’re a medical genius like me." He winked playfully.

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Showoff."

Kenny chuckled, grabbing the book he had set aside. "Guilty as charged. But I’m also right, aren’t I? You’re awake now, after all."

Dawn leaned back against him, her head resting on his shoulder again. "Okay, fine. But what about when I don’t want you to know I’m awake?"

Kenny raised a brow. "Why wouldn’t you want me to know?"

Dawn shrugged. "I dunno... maybe I just want to enjoy some peace and quiet without you teasing me."

Kenny laughed, the sound vibrating through her. "Oh, Dee Dee, you’re terrible at hiding things. Even if you don’t move, I’d know you were awake because you think louder than anyone I’ve ever met."

"Think louder?" Dawn repeated, clearly confused.

"Yeah," Kenny teased, poking her lightly in the side. "When you’re awake, it’s like I can feel your brain going, 'What’s Kenny doing? What’s he thinking? Should I say something? Nah, I’ll just keep pretending I’m asleep.' It’s hilarious."

Dawn groaned, hiding her face against his shoulder. "You’re impossible."

Kenny grinned, wrapping an arm around her. "And you’re predictable, Dee Dee. But that’s why we work so well together."

Dawn huffed. "Whatever, Mr. Medical Genius. What were you even reading while I was out?"

Kenny held up the book, revealing the title: Caring for Your Partner When They're Sick.

Dawn stared at it, her cheeks turning bright red. "You were reading that for me?"

Kenny smirked. "Of course. Gotta make sure I’m doing everything right, don’t I?"

Dawn groaned again, burying her face in his shoulder. "You’re too much sometimes."

Kenny chuckled, patting her head. "And yet, you’re still here, Dee Dee. Guess that means you’re stuck with me."

Dawn mumbled something unintelligible, but the way she snuggled closer to him said it all.

" I guess you're not that bad."

"Thanks," Kenny said proudly. "Now, since you're awake, do you want some fruit? Or are you ready for a pop quiz on more medical facts?"

Dawn shook her head, still buried in Kenny's shoulder." No thanks, Kenny. I'd like the fruit, but.... I'm not hungry."

Kenny's playful expression vanished. " Dee Dee, I know you're not hungry, but you gotta eat. If you don't, you won't get better."

Dawn groaned. " But.... But my stomach feels like it's gonna push all my breakfast up."

Kenny's eyes widened. " Seriously?"

Dawn nodded, closing her eyes and groaning.

The young doctor didn't waste any time.

" Okay Dee Dee just keep your eyes closed." Kenny said as he wiped her arm with something cool.

" Kenny? W... What was that?"

" Nothing, Dee Dee. Nothing."

" B... Bu-"

" Relax, Dawn. Take a deep breath."

Then there was a weird sensation on Dawn's arm, and she heard a click.

Then she felt a bandaid.

Suddenly it made sense.

Dawn's eyes flew open, and she stared at Kenny, wide-eyed. "Kenny... did you just—?"

He gave her a sheepish but proud grin. "Yup. Gave you an anti-nausea injection. Easy peasy."

Her mouth fell open. "You can't just sneak up and jab people! That's... That's—"

"Effective?" Kenny suggested with a grin. "You didn't even flinch, Dee Dee. I'm proud of you."

Dawn glared at him. "That doesn't count when I didn't know it was happening! You tricked me!"

Kenny shrugged, unfazed. "I prefer to call it... preventative care. Now your stomach should calm down, and you'll be able to eat without feeling sick."

"You are the sneakiest doctor ever," Dawn muttered, still fuming but begrudgingly impressed.

He chuckled. "And you're the most stubborn patient I've ever had. A perfect match, don't you think?"

Dawn huffed but couldn't help smiling. "Fine. Maybe it was for the best... But next time, warn me, okay?"

Kenny raised two fingers in a solemn oath. "Scout's honor. No ninja doctor moves—unless it's an emergency."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable when you're mad," Kenny teased.

She playfully swatted at him. "Smooth talker."

He grinned and stood up. "All right, Dee Dee. Fruit coming up now that you're nausea-free. And maybe just one more fun medical fact while I cut it up?"

Dawn groaned. "You never quit, do you?"

"Never," Kenny said proudly, heading to the kitchen with a spring in his step. "I'm relentless in the name of love and health."

Dawn shook her head with a small smile. "Sneaky doctor..."